Blog
The Eric M. Gerhard blog will provide financial news updates and information about the latest trends in the world of equity compensation.
Would You Buy Your Company's Stock Today? The Question That Reveals Everything
If you received your bonus in cash today, how much of it would you invest back into your company's stock?
Read MoreWhat Your Tax Bill Just Revealed About Your Equity Compensation
Tax season has a way of bringing unexpected clarity, especially when equity compensation is involved. But here's what matters: tax season is the beginning of smarter planning for the rest of the year.
Read MoreBlackout Periods and 105b-1 Plans: A Guide for Executives
For many executives and senior employees, company stock represents a meaningful portion of both compensation and overall net worth. But it also introduces a unique challenge.
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Stock Options: Specialist vs. Generalist
When equity compensation becomes a meaningful part of your income or net worth, the quality of advice you receive matters more than ever. And in this area, specialization isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Read MoreEquity Compensation Taxes, Timing, and Risk: A January Planning Guide
Many companies issue stock-based compensation in December, making January an ideal time to pause, review, and plan. Here are a few key areas worth reviewing at the start of the year.
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Closing Out 2025: A Personal Reflection on the Year
As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been taking some time to reflect, not on markets, tax regulations, or equity grant schedules, but on something far more meaningful.
Read MoreYour Equity is Growing: Is Your Financial Advisor Keeping Up?
Equity wealth requires a different kind of advisor. One fluent in stock compensation, tax strategy, and concentrated risk. Let’s turn your equity into a financial strategy.
Read MoreThe December Deadline: What to Do Before Your Stock Options and RSUs Vest
For many, the December deadline looms large as RSUs, stock options, or performance shares officially settle, converting promised compensation into real assets.
Read MoreWhen Your Biotech Stock Dips: Funding Life's Milestones Without Cashing Out
In the unpredictable world of biotech, a single FDA announcement, a missed trial endpoint, or a broader market downturn can send your stock price plummeting. Here's what you can do to protect your investments.
Read MoreUnderwater Stock Options: What They Are & What You Can Do
Underwater options are a surprisingly common reality in the world of equity compensation, and depending on your unique situation, you may have more choices than you realize.
Read MoreStaying Sane When Your Company Stock Swings
By understanding these principles and seeking help when needed, you can manage the inherent volatility of company stock without losing your peace of mind, ultimately optimizing the long-term value of your hard-earned equity compensation.
Read MoreHow Life's Milestones Impact Your Equiy Compensation
Understand how major life events like marriage, inheritance, and family changes can impact your stock options, RSUs, and other equity compensation. Learn key considerations for financial planning during these transitions.
Read MorePost-Tax Season Check-Up: Your Equity Compensation Plan
As April 15th has come and gone, now is an opportune moment, especially for those who received equity compensation in 2024, to reflect on your tax experience and proactively plan for the future.
Read MoreRSU Vesting and the Tax Trap: Are You Prepared for April 15th?
Restricted stock units (RSUs) are a fantastic way to build wealth, but their vesting can trigger a tax event that leaves many employees scrambling come April 15th.
Read More2024 Tax Prep Tips for Equity Holders
Tax season is upon us, and for employees with equity compensation, navigating the complexities of tax reporting can be particularly challenging. check out these 2024 Tax Prep Tips.
Read MoreThe Art of Timing: When to Exercise Your Stock Options
In the world of equity compensation, stock options offer employees the opportunity to share in the success of their company. However, maximizing the value of these options requires careful consideration and a strategic approach.
Read MoreTogether, We Grew: A Year of Learning and Sharing
As 2024 comes to a close, I want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone. Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and unlocking the full potential of stock options together.
Read MoreDon't Let Your Equity Go Up in Smoke: Tips for Protecting Your Vesting Rights
Understanding your rights and how companies typically handle these situations can help you better navigate your equity compensation in cases where termination occurs.
Read MoreIs Your Estate Prepared for the Stock Option Shock?
When you pass away, your stock options don't simply vanish. They become part of your estate and can potentially trigger tax consequences. Here's a breakdown of the key factors to consider,
Read MoreThe Complexities of Equity Compensation Valuation in Divorce
When couples with equity compensation (like stock options or restricted stock) divorce, one of the more challenging aspects is determining the value of these assets for property division.
Read MoreStock Options vs. 401(k): Understanding Your Employee Stock Ownership Choices
Stock options like Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs), and restricted stock can be confusing but understanding how they differ from your 401(k) contributions may unlock valuable financial opportunities.
Read MoreThe Stock Option Maze: Unveiling the Secrets of NQSOs and ISOs
The difference between nonqualified stock options (NQSOs) and incentive stock options (ISOs) is, like most things in finance, depends on your individual circumstances and risk tolerance.
Read More6 Creative Strategies to Reduce or Eliminate Capital Gains Tax on Equity Compensation
Did you know you can legally postpone or avoid capital gains tax from selling your equity compensation? Here are six ways under the tax code, called tax expenditures, that you can leverage to avoid or defer your capital gains tax.
Read MoreStock Options and Divorce in Community Property States: Who Gets What?
Many employees receive stock options from their employers as an incentive to encourage loyalty, reward past and future performance, or maximize the company's tax advantage. But many issues can arise during a divorce proceeding.
Read MoreHow Psychology Could Make You Exercise Stock Options at the Wrong Time
While relying on your gut feeling can provide temporary rewards, it could come at a great expense. Behind this erratic investment behavior are mental factors coupled with economic rationales, influencing the options exercise process.
Read MoreBeyond Stock Options: Why Performance Shares Are Gaining Popularity
If you’ve received performance shares, it’s essential to understand how they work, any restrictions attached to them, and how they are affected by taxes.
Read MoreVested and Unvested: Demystifying Stock Option Outcomes in Mergers and Acquisitions
The uncertainties following an acquisition can make even the most composed employees anxious about their stock options. Here is what you need to know concerning acquisitions and the fate of your stock options.
Read MorePlanning for Life's Unforeseen Events: Protecting Your Stock Compensation
It’s essential to understand how your stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), and ESPP participation are affected when life takes an unanticipated turn.
Read MoreYour Equity Awards Post-Employment: A Guide to Managing RSUs and Stock Options
Here are 3 valuable tips, according to findings from a recent myStockOptions webinar, for managing life after separating from your employer to help navigate the uncertainties ahead.
Read MoreStock Compensation and Overseas Assignments: Navigating the Tax Maze
Despite the current recession, international assignments and relocations are increasing. This is posing a challenge in cross-border taxation for employees and employers.
Read MoreMaximizing Retirement Savings: Tax Implications of Relocating with Stock Options
Many people move to tax-friendly states after retirement to maximize their retirement savings and income, benefiting from lower tax rates, reduced or eliminated state income taxes, and better financial conditions in their golden years.
Read MoreFunding Your Child's Education with Stock Options and Grants
It’s important to start planning for your child's education as early as possible. You’re able to use stock options and other stock grants to help fund those educational pursuits.
Read MoreMaking Gifts of Company Stock
Making gifts of company stock allows you to transfer wealth while retaining ownership, but it also offers potential tax savings. You can give your company stock for estate planning purposes, such as passing assets to family members.
Read MoreMaximizing Your Social Security Benefits with Stock Compensation
Social Security is a secure way to guarantee a comfortable lifestyle after retirement. In an era where most retirees are worried about outliving their retirement savings, maximizing the benefits can be handy.
Read MoreWhat Happens To Your Stock Options When You Retire or Leave Your Job?
There are many different reasons why you may find yourself leaving a job which may lead to unanswered questions about your stock options and the rights you have to them.
Read MoreWhat to Know Before Negotiating Equity Compensation
As an employee, it’s essential to understand the types of equity compensation available to you and how they may affect your financial situation.
Read MoreInflation Reduction Act and its Impact on Equity Compensated Employees
It's crucial to understand the direct and indirect impact The Inflation Reduction Act will have on your equity compensation and overall financial situation.
Read MoreMulti-Year Tax Planning
It’s easy to eagerly accept the stock offerings, but without a tax plan, you may prevent yourself from obtaining the full value of that equity compensation.
Read MoreMega Grants
Employers consider mega grants because they link pay with performance. If a company is worried that top talent may leave, they may choose a mega grant to keep that employee invested with the company for a long period of time.
Read MorePlanning for Year-End
In the world of equity compensation, the end of the year is crucial decision-making time. The choices you make will affect your 2022 taxes and your financial outlook for years to come.
Read MoreSupplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs)
In the world of equity compensation, Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans may be one you hear often as employers seek out new ways to retain key people within their company.
Read MoreThe Benefits of Employee Stock Purchase Plans
In an effort to retain their top talent, many employers will offer Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) to their employees. It shows how much your employer values your presence, but also, it’s a way for you to show belief in your company.
Read MoreEquity Compensation Trends in 2022
It’s important to attract new talent as well as retain the talent of a company’s current workforce. This idea has shaped equity compensation trends in 2002.
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